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Carmine #1
Carmine: Rise of the Warrior Queen
The girl once known as Katie Lopez wakes up in an abandoned Wal-Mart with no memory, possessing only the vague sense that something has happened.
Where is her family?
Where is her boyfriend?
She has a faint recollection of him, a ghost of a memory...
The world, she discovers, is staggering from the weight of rampaging mutants, victims of a bizarre surgery gone wrong. Once intended to bring about a utopia, now the victims threaten societal meltdown.
Much to her surprise, the girl with no memory discovers she is their queen.
And the Outlaw, a fabled warrior, will soon be at her gate...
Book One of the dystopian urban fantasy series.
(Book Five of Seven in the Outlaw/Katie saga)
Where is her family?
Where is her boyfriend?
She has a faint recollection of him, a ghost of a memory...
The world, she discovers, is staggering from the weight of rampaging mutants, victims of a bizarre surgery gone wrong. Once intended to bring about a utopia, now the victims threaten societal meltdown.
Much to her surprise, the girl with no memory discovers she is their queen.
And the Outlaw, a fabled warrior, will soon be at her gate...
Book One of the dystopian urban fantasy series.
(Book Five of Seven in the Outlaw/Katie saga)
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 25, 2019
I loved how this story started off with a lot of fast pace action. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Our main character Carmine wakes up genetically enhanced with no memory in a country torn a part. Shes fighting for survival while trying to rebuild her little corner of the world hoping to provide a safe haven to civil war refugees and mutants like her. Now they call her Queen Carmine. I loved reading about how they were rebuilding their own little society. The way their community functions almost felt liked paradise.
This story is a spin off from the author previous series Outlaw. In this book we meet the character Outlaw after the event of the series. I thought the Outlaw was charming bad boy with a lot of patience and determination. Since our main character doesnt remember him I didnt feel like I needed to read the other series to enjoy this story. Even though this book probably had some spoilers for the Outlaw series Id still love a chance to review it. I dont mind the spoilers because it was nice to be able to uncover what happened along with the main character.
I found the mystery aspect was compelling. Although it was frustrating that the main character didnt want to learn about her past. I loved how she felt very different from the usual protagonist. Shes bad ass and still goes to college. I thought the main characters perspective and interaction with the other mutants was fascinating but it drove me crazy when they spied on her and tried telling her she couldnt date. She can make her own freaking decisions. For the most part I liked the whole cast of characters, especially Kayla. I also thought the Cheerleader and the Shooter were intriguing.
The writing wasnt the best but the plot and characters made up for it. I think it could use a bit more editing but it wasnt anything major. I noticed some info was unnecessarily repeated but it was only at the beginning when the world is being introduced. I felt like a third of the way through my reading pace slowed down a bit even though there was plenty of action but I was probably just distracted. I also really enjoyed the refrences to other books Ive read and social media. The Cinder reference was awesome.
The amount of mutants the Chemist was able to make seems unrealistic. More than half of the way through and I still had no idea who the inheritors were but the mystery didnt bother me too much. The antagonists, Blue Eyes and Walter felt like a very real threats, althought we dont see much of Blue Eyes. When you build paradise people are going to try to steal it from you. With the president under her spell and seeking more power, Blue Eyes sends her soldiers with specialized weapons to destroy what they've built and Walter isnt far behind.
*Participating in the Book Tour November 11th*
This story is a spin off from the author previous series Outlaw. In this book we meet the character Outlaw after the event of the series. I thought the Outlaw was charming bad boy with a lot of patience and determination. Since our main character doesnt remember him I didnt feel like I needed to read the other series to enjoy this story. Even though this book probably had some spoilers for the Outlaw series Id still love a chance to review it. I dont mind the spoilers because it was nice to be able to uncover what happened along with the main character.
I found the mystery aspect was compelling. Although it was frustrating that the main character didnt want to learn about her past. I loved how she felt very different from the usual protagonist. Shes bad ass and still goes to college. I thought the main characters perspective and interaction with the other mutants was fascinating but it drove me crazy when they spied on her and tried telling her she couldnt date. She can make her own freaking decisions. For the most part I liked the whole cast of characters, especially Kayla. I also thought the Cheerleader and the Shooter were intriguing.
The writing wasnt the best but the plot and characters made up for it. I think it could use a bit more editing but it wasnt anything major. I noticed some info was unnecessarily repeated but it was only at the beginning when the world is being introduced. I felt like a third of the way through my reading pace slowed down a bit even though there was plenty of action but I was probably just distracted. I also really enjoyed the refrences to other books Ive read and social media. The Cinder reference was awesome.
The amount of mutants the Chemist was able to make seems unrealistic. More than half of the way through and I still had no idea who the inheritors were but the mystery didnt bother me too much. The antagonists, Blue Eyes and Walter felt like a very real threats, althought we dont see much of Blue Eyes. When you build paradise people are going to try to steal it from you. With the president under her spell and seeking more power, Blue Eyes sends her soldiers with specialized weapons to destroy what they've built and Walter isnt far behind.
*Participating in the Book Tour November 11th*
October 17, 2016
The synopsis of this book interested me when I saw that the main character had awoken in a dystopian world and had no memory of who she was and why she was the way she was. Carmine started off with a punch with Carmine waking up in an abandoned store in a world which she didn't recognise and as the story goes along, we discover that she has abilities which has changed her from the girl she was before. The story then goes along, as she wanders to safety trying to make sense of it all and somehow learns that she is powerful and not like the others - the infected. This causes her to become someone that others follow and look up to and eventually as she travels and more people follow her to safety she becomes a Queen - someone for them to look up to despite her never actually wanting the title. There is a boy called "The Outlaw" who is also infected but he is different also, he has been infected since birth and we learn that Katie Lopez aka Pre-Carmine used to date him and that he is one of the causes of why she is who she is now. I found it was around this time that for me the book started to slow down in pace and I found myself just plodding along with the book. There were a few things that confused me about this book and being Book #1 , I was a little disappointed as the first book should be able to answer all the questions. However, in saying that if you are the type of reader who loves those strong female characters like Katniss with the balance of good and evil like Tris Prior and the Dystopian/Futuristic worlds that these books brings us then you will enjoy Carmine by Alan Janney.
November 10, 2016
WRITING STYLE:
This book is told in the first person from the perspective of Carmine. The amount of effort put into building the world of New Los Angeles is what drew me in. The plot slowed in some places but I feel this was to allow room for character development, the introduction of new characters and some epic world building.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:
The readers are reminded on many occasions that Carmine is only nineteen and in charge of a large number of people. Carmine herself states that she gets bored of strategic planning and has been designed for fighting... Carmine begins this novel waking up in an abandoned Wal-Mart with amnesia and suddenly finds herself the leader of a new created race of people and trying to find a place for them, just wanting to survive. The arc of Carmines character was amazing to read. Carmine slowly learns how to come to grips with her new power and become the Queen others see her as.
THEMES:
POWER: Power and might play a strong role in this novel. From political power and the development of a new type of government to strength and using that strength for great good or great evil.
POLITICS: When building a new dystopic society in fiction politic will always play a strong role. Much of this novel was devoted to world building and developing a society that is slowing being able to support itself and its citizens.
PASSION: Whether it is passion for her people, passion to survive, or passion for someone that she can't seem to remember. Carmine displays this passion through the book and the outcomes of this passion on the society that has been built.
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
This was a book I went in not knowing what to expect. The world building of this dystopian society was amazing. I enjoyed the different personalities and new regime in New Los Angeles and found that there was something there for pretty much everyone. With action, romance, grit and angst... everyone will find something to enjoy about Carmine.
This book is told in the first person from the perspective of Carmine. The amount of effort put into building the world of New Los Angeles is what drew me in. The plot slowed in some places but I feel this was to allow room for character development, the introduction of new characters and some epic world building.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:
The readers are reminded on many occasions that Carmine is only nineteen and in charge of a large number of people. Carmine herself states that she gets bored of strategic planning and has been designed for fighting... Carmine begins this novel waking up in an abandoned Wal-Mart with amnesia and suddenly finds herself the leader of a new created race of people and trying to find a place for them, just wanting to survive. The arc of Carmines character was amazing to read. Carmine slowly learns how to come to grips with her new power and become the Queen others see her as.
THEMES:
POWER: Power and might play a strong role in this novel. From political power and the development of a new type of government to strength and using that strength for great good or great evil.
POLITICS: When building a new dystopic society in fiction politic will always play a strong role. Much of this novel was devoted to world building and developing a society that is slowing being able to support itself and its citizens.
PASSION: Whether it is passion for her people, passion to survive, or passion for someone that she can't seem to remember. Carmine displays this passion through the book and the outcomes of this passion on the society that has been built.
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
This was a book I went in not knowing what to expect. The world building of this dystopian society was amazing. I enjoyed the different personalities and new regime in New Los Angeles and found that there was something there for pretty much everyone. With action, romance, grit and angst... everyone will find something to enjoy about Carmine.
November 8, 2016
(
I received this book free form the author in exchange for my honest review
)
My Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
This book reminded me so much of Resident Evil, well the second movie. As someone who grew up on the games, and have watch all the movies, it wasn't hard for me to make that instance connection. Was this a good thing? Well i'm up in the air about it. I guess when I made that connection I started comparing, so this made me have to put the book down so I could refresh my mind and get back to this story and the difference elements it presented.
This story did start with a bang, fast pace, mysterious and down right awesome. Carmine has to adapt and overcome, she has no memories and the world she remembers has gone literally to hell. I was drawn in and I couldn't stop, but, there were some things that didn't make sense to me. One is a major spoiler so I won't say it, only that it came out of no where and I just can't seem to figure out why.
It's at that turn that the story goes from high seep to, slow going, lazy like. It was, weird, this was a first for me, I'm not use to reading a story where the flow goes from 60 to 10. I lost some interest in reading and that's why this story gets a 3 1/2 star and not the 4.
I have to say, despite the weird pacing, I do recommend this book. I enjoyed this read, and I'm looking forwards to the next book, I'm hoping some of my confusion and unanswered questions will be touch up on and explored.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
My Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
This book reminded me so much of Resident Evil, well the second movie. As someone who grew up on the games, and have watch all the movies, it wasn't hard for me to make that instance connection. Was this a good thing? Well i'm up in the air about it. I guess when I made that connection I started comparing, so this made me have to put the book down so I could refresh my mind and get back to this story and the difference elements it presented.
This story did start with a bang, fast pace, mysterious and down right awesome. Carmine has to adapt and overcome, she has no memories and the world she remembers has gone literally to hell. I was drawn in and I couldn't stop, but, there were some things that didn't make sense to me. One is a major spoiler so I won't say it, only that it came out of no where and I just can't seem to figure out why.
It's at that turn that the story goes from high seep to, slow going, lazy like. It was, weird, this was a first for me, I'm not use to reading a story where the flow goes from 60 to 10. I lost some interest in reading and that's why this story gets a 3 1/2 star and not the 4.
I have to say, despite the weird pacing, I do recommend this book. I enjoyed this read, and I'm looking forwards to the next book, I'm hoping some of my confusion and unanswered questions will be touch up on and explored.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
Want to Read
January 30, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/30/2020)! 🎁
November 11, 2016
Here we have a young woman who awakens in an abandoned Wal-Mart with no recollection of who she is. She has a feint feeling that she has a boyfriend but she doesn’t know who he is or where he is. She has also wonders where her family is. After wakening she starts to explore Wal-Mart and decides she needs to do a little “shopping” while she is there before she sets out on her journey. While she is shopping she sees other people there doing a little shopping of their own. It doesn’t take her long to realize that these people are watching her and begin to follow her.
She wonders why all these people have decides to follow her but she decides to keep quiet about it for the time being. She soon learns that they consider her their queen. She tries telling them that she is not a queen but they don’t listen. But with Carmine being the person she is with a big soft heart and someone who has always liked taking care of people and being like a mother to them just lets it go. Besides these people just need someone take charge and tell them what to do. So she does what she does best and that is to help people. So she becomes their leader and helps them to build up a new society and a new L.A.
While Carmine has a big heart and lots of people following her she still has a few enemies out in the world who what nothing more than to destroy her and take over their new home. But Carmine won’t back down to anyone. She may have a soft heart but she is very strong and becoming stronger everyday with the virus running through her body. Although she is strong her enemies are stronger.
She does have a few people out there that are like her or born with the infection who is on her side and wants to help her fight her enemies but Carmine does not trust easily and has no intentions of accepting help from anyone. She can fight her own battles. War is coming. Can Carmine fight her own battles or will she end up needing help from her new friends?
I liked the world that the author has created for Carmine and her new family. I like all the character well most of them anyways but I would like to know more about Carmine and her life before. I would also like to know more about the “Outlaw” who he is and what is his story? And what about Kayla and her life/story. I would also like to see more of Kayla and a certain someone get to spend more time together. I can’t wait to see what the author has instore for Carmine, the Outlaw, Kayla and all the rest of the characters. Where will they go next?
She wonders why all these people have decides to follow her but she decides to keep quiet about it for the time being. She soon learns that they consider her their queen. She tries telling them that she is not a queen but they don’t listen. But with Carmine being the person she is with a big soft heart and someone who has always liked taking care of people and being like a mother to them just lets it go. Besides these people just need someone take charge and tell them what to do. So she does what she does best and that is to help people. So she becomes their leader and helps them to build up a new society and a new L.A.
While Carmine has a big heart and lots of people following her she still has a few enemies out in the world who what nothing more than to destroy her and take over their new home. But Carmine won’t back down to anyone. She may have a soft heart but she is very strong and becoming stronger everyday with the virus running through her body. Although she is strong her enemies are stronger.
She does have a few people out there that are like her or born with the infection who is on her side and wants to help her fight her enemies but Carmine does not trust easily and has no intentions of accepting help from anyone. She can fight her own battles. War is coming. Can Carmine fight her own battles or will she end up needing help from her new friends?
I liked the world that the author has created for Carmine and her new family. I like all the character well most of them anyways but I would like to know more about Carmine and her life before. I would also like to know more about the “Outlaw” who he is and what is his story? And what about Kayla and her life/story. I would also like to see more of Kayla and a certain someone get to spend more time together. I can’t wait to see what the author has instore for Carmine, the Outlaw, Kayla and all the rest of the characters. Where will they go next?
November 10, 2016
She wakes up alone, naked, and with no real memory inside a Walmart. She knows her world has changed. She knows she is a variant. Kidnapped and experimented on, she is stronger than a human. The other changed beings flock to her. She is only 18, but she is strong and they need a leader. She doesn’t remember being Katie Lopez. But she will be Carmine and she will protect them. America is divided. The humans fear the variants, they are hunting them. Some of the strongest infected ones want to use their abilities to rule the country. Carmine just wants peace, for variants and humans alike. Her kingdom of New Los Angeles will be a land where those who work, will eat. Those who follow the rules, will be protected.
I really enjoyed this story. The way it was written was unique and captivating. From the first paragraph to the end, I was pulled through the story and didn’t want to put it down. Carmine is a great character. She has depth and complexities. Her personality and conflict make her more interesting. Watching her battle who she is and what she was created to be while grappling with a past she does not fully remember gave me a deeper connection to her story.
The variants have a strange need to be lead and bond closely with the strong person in charge. Carmine has amassed a large following and given them a purpose outside of the destructive force they were created to be. This makes her a target of the other strong changed ones. She has many enemies and allies she did not want. One of those allies is The Outlaw Chase Jackson, who just happens to be Katie Lopez’s boyfriend. Though Carmine does not remember him, the pieces of Katie that survive in her crave him. His undying devotion to Katie also makes him hard for Carmine to resist. He is stronger than her in his abilities and this evokes the inner warrior drive in the variants who follow Carmine, which can be a problem. It is hard to decide how you feel about someone when all of your people want to kill him, and you kind of do too.
All of the characters are well developed and the decaying city of Los Angeles is crafted well. It is easy to fall into the world created by the author and embrace the battle for basic rights. This book is an easy to read stand alone story that has captured my attention enough that I will be purchasing and reading all of the Outcast series and learning more about The Outlaw and this world he lives in.
I received an ARC copy of this book to review.
I really enjoyed this story. The way it was written was unique and captivating. From the first paragraph to the end, I was pulled through the story and didn’t want to put it down. Carmine is a great character. She has depth and complexities. Her personality and conflict make her more interesting. Watching her battle who she is and what she was created to be while grappling with a past she does not fully remember gave me a deeper connection to her story.
The variants have a strange need to be lead and bond closely with the strong person in charge. Carmine has amassed a large following and given them a purpose outside of the destructive force they were created to be. This makes her a target of the other strong changed ones. She has many enemies and allies she did not want. One of those allies is The Outlaw Chase Jackson, who just happens to be Katie Lopez’s boyfriend. Though Carmine does not remember him, the pieces of Katie that survive in her crave him. His undying devotion to Katie also makes him hard for Carmine to resist. He is stronger than her in his abilities and this evokes the inner warrior drive in the variants who follow Carmine, which can be a problem. It is hard to decide how you feel about someone when all of your people want to kill him, and you kind of do too.
All of the characters are well developed and the decaying city of Los Angeles is crafted well. It is easy to fall into the world created by the author and embrace the battle for basic rights. This book is an easy to read stand alone story that has captured my attention enough that I will be purchasing and reading all of the Outcast series and learning more about The Outlaw and this world he lives in.
I received an ARC copy of this book to review.
October 26, 2016
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review:
This book started off with a bang. The main character, Carmine, wakes up in a Walmart without any memories. She learns about an infection and super human people and these people seem to be drawn to her. After gathering a small group, Carmine decides to go to LA to take over another group of super humans, don't ask me why, it just all of a sudden happens. The whole middle of the book seemed to fly by without a lot of excitement or extra content to keep me interested. It seemed like every chapter there were way more super humans gathering in LA, and all though they all considered Carmine their leader, not a lot of them knew who she was.
The concept and writing were good. I just wished there was more excitement throughout the story to keep me hooked. For this, I gave the book three stars, because I had hoped for more.
See more of this review at http://www.exballerina.com
This book started off with a bang. The main character, Carmine, wakes up in a Walmart without any memories. She learns about an infection and super human people and these people seem to be drawn to her. After gathering a small group, Carmine decides to go to LA to take over another group of super humans, don't ask me why, it just all of a sudden happens. The whole middle of the book seemed to fly by without a lot of excitement or extra content to keep me interested. It seemed like every chapter there were way more super humans gathering in LA, and all though they all considered Carmine their leader, not a lot of them knew who she was.
The concept and writing were good. I just wished there was more excitement throughout the story to keep me hooked. For this, I gave the book three stars, because I had hoped for more.
See more of this review at http://www.exballerina.com
November 17, 2016
Well written book. Fun to read.
Interesting character development. Though I must confess I like the Chase Jackson character more.
You can't help but like Carmine and can't help being a little annoyed with her as well. Teenagers......
But really well written and ties in well with the outlaw series.
Interesting character development. Though I must confess I like the Chase Jackson character more.
You can't help but like Carmine and can't help being a little annoyed with her as well. Teenagers......
But really well written and ties in well with the outlaw series.
October 8, 2017
I won a print copy of Carmine in a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway.
Carmine: The Rise Of The Warrior Queen by Alan Janney is apparently connected to The Outlaw series by Mr. Janney. This is the first book I have read from this author.
Carmine definitely makes me want to read more of Mr. Janney's work. It satisfies my craving for good apocalyptic stories. Our heroine, the aforementioned Carmine, is a genetically altered female attempting to bring order to a new kingdom in the wake of ongoing societal collapse (no spoiler; this is from the cover).
Most of the main characters are in their late teens or early twenties (made me feel a bit old), so I'm guessing this is the target audience. But unlike other books aimed at that demographic, Carmine does not necessarily make folks my age the bad guys, okay by me (big of me, huh?).
Great action. The main characters are by turns; sympathetic, frustrating, humorous, endearing, frightening, aggravating, but always well developed. although the violence is at times quite graphic, it is well balanced with moments of humor and levity. We also get romance; budding, unrequited, sometimes coerced and artificially enhanced. Not much in the way of sex, but plenty of sexual tension.
The only glaring mistake? Using the word "eluded" instead of "alluded" in a reference to Of Mice And Men.
At the end of the book Mr. Janney makes the generous offer of a free copy of Book one of The Outlaw series. Think I'm gonna go for it, Alan Janney appears to be a new author on my horizon (I can almost here some of you saying "about time!"). Carmine: The Rise Of The Warrior Queen is seriously worth your time. Enjoy!
Mike
Carmine: The Rise Of The Warrior Queen by Alan Janney is apparently connected to The Outlaw series by Mr. Janney. This is the first book I have read from this author.
Carmine definitely makes me want to read more of Mr. Janney's work. It satisfies my craving for good apocalyptic stories. Our heroine, the aforementioned Carmine, is a genetically altered female attempting to bring order to a new kingdom in the wake of ongoing societal collapse (no spoiler; this is from the cover).
Most of the main characters are in their late teens or early twenties (made me feel a bit old), so I'm guessing this is the target audience. But unlike other books aimed at that demographic, Carmine does not necessarily make folks my age the bad guys, okay by me (big of me, huh?).
Great action. The main characters are by turns; sympathetic, frustrating, humorous, endearing, frightening, aggravating, but always well developed. although the violence is at times quite graphic, it is well balanced with moments of humor and levity. We also get romance; budding, unrequited, sometimes coerced and artificially enhanced. Not much in the way of sex, but plenty of sexual tension.
The only glaring mistake? Using the word "eluded" instead of "alluded" in a reference to Of Mice And Men.
At the end of the book Mr. Janney makes the generous offer of a free copy of Book one of The Outlaw series. Think I'm gonna go for it, Alan Janney appears to be a new author on my horizon (I can almost here some of you saying "about time!"). Carmine: The Rise Of The Warrior Queen is seriously worth your time. Enjoy!
Mike
June 3, 2017
Gear shift
Dry opening but I found it quickly interesting. Unfortunately it eventually begins to devolve from reluctant leader struggling to make a safe haven against an unjust world into girl struggling to not fall in love with her pre-amnesia\personality split crush. 47% killed my interest in continuing to read.
Dry opening but I found it quickly interesting. Unfortunately it eventually begins to devolve from reluctant leader struggling to make a safe haven against an unjust world into girl struggling to not fall in love with her pre-amnesia\personality split crush. 47% killed my interest in continuing to read.
January 28, 2018
Excellent read
I am not your typical reader of this kind of book. I happened to see The Outlaw on my Kindle and was intrigued. After finishing the series I wanted more and Carmine fit the bill. The characters are well developed the plot nicely thought out and the book is just plain fun
I am not your typical reader of this kind of book. I happened to see The Outlaw on my Kindle and was intrigued. After finishing the series I wanted more and Carmine fit the bill. The characters are well developed the plot nicely thought out and the book is just plain fun
May 22, 2019
I delayed reading this for the longest time cuz I was afraid I wouldn't like it and it would taint my memory of the Outlaw series.
It's still good, lots of the similar excitement and emotion that made the Outlaw a roller coaster. Feels a little different because its a different story with a different narrator, but oh well.
It's still good, lots of the similar excitement and emotion that made the Outlaw a roller coaster. Feels a little different because its a different story with a different narrator, but oh well.
May 25, 2017
Not sure
I'm not sure whether I like it or not. There aren't any gross continuity errors and the prose flows well. The plot is imaginative.
But it didn't really keep me engrossed. I didn't care enough about the characters.
I'm not sure whether I like it or not. There aren't any gross continuity errors and the prose flows well. The plot is imaginative.
But it didn't really keep me engrossed. I didn't care enough about the characters.
November 1, 2018
Excellent
I really enjoyed this book and are already planning on buying the second book. About half way through the book I almost lost interest in the story but at the end I'm glad that I didn't.
I really enjoyed this book and are already planning on buying the second book. About half way through the book I almost lost interest in the story but at the end I'm glad that I didn't.
February 14, 2020
Now That Was A Good Book!
It’s been quite a while since I enjoyed a book so much! Carmine and her crew kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages like crazy. Can’t wait to read part 2 of this saga.
It’s been quite a while since I enjoyed a book so much! Carmine and her crew kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages like crazy. Can’t wait to read part 2 of this saga.
November 24, 2016
Carmine
This book is amazing and fits in well with the rest of the story. Also the twists and turns make the book addictive and hard to put down.
This book is amazing and fits in well with the rest of the story. Also the twists and turns make the book addictive and hard to put down.
September 2, 2017
Nice sequel
A nice sequel for the first series. Will have to re read the first series to remember some the things and the story.
Will now move on to the second book
A nice sequel for the first series. Will have to re read the first series to remember some the things and the story.
Will now move on to the second book
July 17, 2018
Great book!
I enjoy this series of books. They are very engaging and the story moves quickly, you don’t get bored with all of the details because the details are intriguing.
I enjoy this series of books. They are very engaging and the story moves quickly, you don’t get bored with all of the details because the details are intriguing.
November 10, 2021
Another great book by this author. I enjoy his character development and sarcastic humor! I think it's a great book for all ages.
March 20, 2017
The saga continues
I have read 4 books in this series. All are excellent. Very creative, lots of action. Great twist in the end. Glad to see the Outlaw pop in and help from time to time.
I have read 4 books in this series. All are excellent. Very creative, lots of action. Great twist in the end. Glad to see the Outlaw pop in and help from time to time.
November 15, 2016
I made it 58% of the way through this book before I put it down. The world is unique and includes some super-hero and post-apocalyptic elements and the story started out Really well but then it just kind of fell apart after the first 15-25% or so. The supporting characters don't have much depth and lack personality. There is very little (if any) humor in the book and the plot is... chunky while skipping all the good bits.
The first chunk of the story can be categorized as the Main Character's origin story which ends with the MC gaining several followers and planing making a community in the post-apocalyptic anarchy that is the LA metro area. The plot then fast forwards several months and next thing we know, the MC as meretriciously restored law, order, running water and limited power to some 80,000+ residents of LA, who now view the MC as their lord and savor.
The second chunk of the story focuses on introducing the majority of the supporting characters while describing the utopian society they miraculously created. It is during this part of the book that the reader learns more about the background of the MC and how the world as a whole fell apart. This part of the book is actually fairly well done and is interesting.
The next chunk is where I started to activity dislike the book. During this part of the book, the main character learns more about her unremarkable life before she lost her memories. In particular, she learns about her old boyfriend. It is at this point that the book goes to hell. Up until this point the MC can be described as being a very strong natural born leader and a super hero badass with minions. With the introduction of her boyfriend the MC turns in to a insecure indecisive tween girl with a crush who repeatedly changes her mind on if she even want the boyfriend to be part of her life.To top it all off, the MC also develops all types of other personality flaws including but not limited to, trust, abandonment and anger management issues. After a long while of this, I had enough and put down the book.
FYI: I read this book without having previously reading the Outlaw Series which may or may not be related to this book.
The first chunk of the story can be categorized as the Main Character's origin story which ends with the MC gaining several followers and planing making a community in the post-apocalyptic anarchy that is the LA metro area. The plot then fast forwards several months and next thing we know, the MC as meretriciously restored law, order, running water and limited power to some 80,000+ residents of LA, who now view the MC as their lord and savor.
The second chunk of the story focuses on introducing the majority of the supporting characters while describing the utopian society they miraculously created. It is during this part of the book that the reader learns more about the background of the MC and how the world as a whole fell apart. This part of the book is actually fairly well done and is interesting.
The next chunk is where I started to activity dislike the book. During this part of the book, the main character learns more about her unremarkable life before she lost her memories. In particular, she learns about her old boyfriend. It is at this point that the book goes to hell. Up until this point the MC can be described as being a very strong natural born leader and a super hero badass with minions. With the introduction of her boyfriend the MC turns in to a insecure indecisive tween girl with a crush who repeatedly changes her mind on if she even want the boyfriend to be part of her life.To top it all off, the MC also develops all types of other personality flaws including but not limited to, trust, abandonment and anger management issues. After a long while of this, I had enough and put down the book.
FYI: I read this book without having previously reading the Outlaw Series which may or may not be related to this book.
November 21, 2016
Carmine takes you through a coming of age journey of the simple loving Katie we already knew to seeing her become a Warrior Queen! Carmine is humble and relatable. Told from her perspective, I was able to walk with her and see through her eyes as she newly has the responsibility of overseeing an empire. I met new characters who quickly became friends. I empathized as they celebrated freedom and was anxious when they fell in crisis. I loved the romantic and introspective aspect of this book as opposed to the nonstop action and dialogue filled Outlaw. The laugh out loud moments surprised me as I never figured out what was coming next. I was elated when Katie and Chase reunited. The flirting made the romantic part in me swoon. I absolutely loved Carmine and would recommend it to anyone who is looking to be empowered. “Stay with me! Stay together! Stay Alive!”
November 25, 2016
The Outlaw Series Continues
This book does not have the breakneck pace of the first four books in The Outlaw series. Janney takes time to introduce Carmine and her self built society. It moves but meanders a bit, as if the author is not completely sure where he is going yet. But don't let that discourage you from reading this or the whole series if you haven't already. The characters are fascinating and likable enough that the reader cares about them. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This book does not have the breakneck pace of the first four books in The Outlaw series. Janney takes time to introduce Carmine and her self built society. It moves but meanders a bit, as if the author is not completely sure where he is going yet. But don't let that discourage you from reading this or the whole series if you haven't already. The characters are fascinating and likable enough that the reader cares about them. I can't wait to see what happens next.
February 7, 2017
A great continuation and a new start
I was a fan of the outlaw books, increasingly so as the series progressed. This is a tremendous and gripping continuation of the saga. Chase kept my interest because of his adventures. Carmine (nee) Katie does because of her texture and arc as a character (along with the great plot). A great read.
I was a fan of the outlaw books, increasingly so as the series progressed. This is a tremendous and gripping continuation of the saga. Chase kept my interest because of his adventures. Carmine (nee) Katie does because of her texture and arc as a character (along with the great plot). A great read.
October 15, 2017
Amazing!!!
This is am amazing series. It envokes emotion like not other, has an amazing storyline, and has great characters. For anyone that enjoys a good book, this is for you!
This is am amazing series. It envokes emotion like not other, has an amazing storyline, and has great characters. For anyone that enjoys a good book, this is for you!
March 29, 2019
An excellent and well developed premise with a badass queen as the main character. I don't necessarily love some of the later parts of the series, but this book is definitely worth a read.
September 21, 2018
Not bad. This is a YA book where lots of people were altered by The Chemist. Not really a virus, more of genetic manipulation. This is the 2nd part of the series. There are 4 books that lead up to this that start with The Outlaw
. They seem to be broken up into before Katie was altered, and then Carmine starts after Katie was altered. I didn't realize there was a set before this one when I started reading. However, I didn't feel like I was missing a huge part of the story. Carmine 'Katie', is the Queen of the Varients/Guardians. For some reason they are all attracted to her and she and they have some kind of connection that allows them to feel each other.She takes over the mo
stly deserted Los Angeles and creates the Kingdom from a mixture of Varients and humans alike. There are 3 others who are determined to help her whether she wants it or not, and at least 2 maybe 3 that want to see her dead. She is hotheaded and rushes into things without regard to her council. But she truly wants to help her people and keep them safe. She has very little memory of before, and somehow Katie is a separate voice in her head. While this is a good book, I probably won't be returning to this series. One of the things that bothers me is that some of the bad guys seem all powerful. There 'powers' are so powerful that no one can go ag
. They seem to be broken up into before Katie was altered, and then Carmine starts after Katie was altered. I didn't realize there was a set before this one when I started reading. However, I didn't feel like I was missing a huge part of the story. Carmine 'Katie', is the Queen of the Varients/Guardians. For some reason they are all attracted to her and she and they have some kind of connection that allows them to feel each other.She takes over the mostly deserted Los Angeles and creates the Kingdom from a mixture of Varients and humans alike. There are 3 others who are determined to help her whether she wants it or not, and at least 2 maybe 3 that want to see her dead. She is hotheaded and rushes into things without regard to her council. But she truly wants to help her people and keep them safe. She has very little memory of before, and somehow Katie is a separate voice in her head. While this is a good book, I probably won't be returning to this series. One of the things that bothers me is that some of the bad guys seem all powerful. There 'powers' are so powerful that no one can go ag
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